I've recently read a ton of graphic novels and memoirs - some I loved and others not so much but were still a thrill to read. Guts by Raina Telgemeier I am always on the lookout for Raina Telgemeier's comics, so when I found Guts available at my library's Overdrive catalog last year, I had to request it right away. Her comics are always delightful, designed for the middle-grade audience, and written very well. Guts is a continuation of her Smile nonfiction graphic memoir series (see Smile and Sisters ) and recounts a period in her childhood when she experienced IBS for the first time. When Raina wakes up one night with an upset tummy, she just assumes it's a stomach bug as her mom is also showing the same symptoms. But when it doesn't go away soon but is instead influenced by the daily highs and lows of being a middle grader - good friends, not so good ones, and then the bullies, she realizes there's something else going on. If you have not read the previous
I haven't looked forward to a weekend as much as I did over the past week, from as early as last Sunday itself. It was a super busy week at work and I had to put in plenty of overtime over the whole week. I could have left sooner on Friday but I'd rather save my absence for this coming Friday - start the Memorial Day weekend early!
Memorial Day is the first holiday my company gives after the Christmas holidays. So you can imagine how much a lot of us at work are actually looking forward to it. Five months of no holidays is terrible. Luckily, from here on out, there is the Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays to look forward to. But then another year ends and it's a five-month wait all over again.
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| (The rose trees in our flower garden finally bloomed last week. I love that they bear flowers up until late November. We have more rose bushes in the front of our property and they are just as flowery.) |
This weekend, I made it a point to sleep in for as long as I wanted. But then, what do you know, but I woke up before 6 am yesterday. And then, last night, I woke up so many times and struggled to go back to sleep each time. At one point (around 4 am), I decided that if I didn't fall asleep within 5 minutes, I was going to wake up and read a book. (Luckily, that didn't happen).
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| (It was Rue's birthday two weeks back but I forgot to mention that here. We got her some toys, snacks, and fresh ground meat - the hedgehog now rests in peace in multiple pieces at the bottom of a trash can. The husband and I celebrated with some yummy cannoli cupcakes.) |
This past week, I had two appointments and one class to attend so in addition to having a busy work week, it was busy otherwise too. I tried to spend the weeknights reading Jennifer Egan's A Visit from the Goon Squad, which, although a wonderful read, isn't something I can read when I'm tired. Still, I managed to finish, maybe, a chapter and a half, over three nights. Friday, I got back to Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes, which is quite an interesting read. I'm still in splits on what I feel about the book or its characters, but it is making me think A LOT, which is always good. I stopped at the halfway point last night and plan to post about it this week. So I may not read the rest of the book, until I have that post written. Care has already posted hers, so head over here to read them.
For now, I'm hoping to make more progress with Goon Squad. Except for an appointment tomorrow morning, my week is just going to be a mix of work and whatever else I want to do outside work. The husband's friend is visiting us during Memorial weekend, so we have a few outdoors trips planned for the entire weekend. I may not go for some of them, but I have been itching to do some outdoors activity for a few weeks now, so it will be nice to just head somewhere in the mountains and take in the views.
Today, we have some shopping to do, some chores to finish, and then hopefully, curl up with a book for the evening. And then, it's time for the Game of Thrones episode - I can't believe we are already on the second half of this season. Bummer!
Comments
I had a great weekend, did nothing but read the last book of The Tawny Man Trilogy by Robin Hobb. I loved it.
How are you feeling? Besides the lack of sleep thing. I tossed and turned on Friday night and Saturday night. I just feel antsy. No particular reason and of course Monday came up for me way to fast. Monday. Blech. Who decided the weekend should only be two days long?
Glad you liked Goon Squad. It is a good book but I find I have to put it down often.
I sure wish weekends were longer. We do get long weekends for two months during summer, but this time I am not doing it. What with being pregnant, I cannot stand the idea of staying at work longer than 8 hours.